How to install the Google Nest Thermostat E

The Nest Thermostat E is simple to set up and install. We'll walk you through the entire process of installing your thermostat in the right spot and you'll find detailed instructions in the Nest app.

You'll learn how to install the Nest Thermostat E yourself, including how to:
- Remove your old thermostat
- Take a photo of your old setup and label the wires
- Install the Nest base
- Connect the wires to the Nest thermostat
- Attach the Nest thermostat display

We'll also give you a preview of how to setup your thermostat: you'll pick a language, connect it to Wi-Fi, tell it a few basics about your home, and tell it about your heating and cooling system so it can help you save energy. Lastly, we give you an overview on how to choose between an Auto-Schedule and a Basic Schedule.

[barbarabrady]

IMPORTANT SET UP NOTE: When you install a new Nest thermostat, it should have enough charge to get you through the setup process. If, for some reason, it has lost its charge (like mine had) you will get a message on the newly installed device stating, "thermostat is shutting down." It would be better if this message said, "thermostat charging, please wait" I called Google nest customer service (actually got a person immediately!) and was instructed to remove the thermostat from the wall and connect it to a micro USB charger on a wall outlet. It took about 20 minutes to charge. When I put it back the thermostat back on the wall, the set up went perfectly.

[gherna]

I had a similar experience to the one below. I had purchased the unit (Nest E 1st Gen) about 2 years back. Yesterday I decided to go digital and purchased the Hello Doorbell and the Smart Display to go with it.
Upon a proper installation, wiring, voltage, etc, the unit failed to turn on, beep, show a blinking charging light, etc. I spent hours trying to find troubleshooting steps, to no avail. It then occurred to me to try determining whether the unit was DOA and plugged it into a charger. Eureka! The red blinking light came on.
I waited a good 30 or so minutes and then started the installation, only to a partial success. I returned to it 3 or so hours later and I still could not connect it to my Wi-Fi system. It said that the battery was low, though it apparently was not charging - no red blinking light.
This morning - I thought enough time had gone by - I was finally able to complete the installation. It appears that what is explained below makes sense: the unit only gets a charging current when the furnace or A/C is running. Live and learn!
Google: if you're monitoring these comments, please provide for better ways to your customers to have a less traumatizing/frustrating experience!

[dianam]

Great video! Thanks! just installed thermostat on my own and couldn't have done without this vid. Many, many thanks! I love my new Nest!

[princesslamour]

Yay!!!! Did it all by myself!!! I used a knife to unscrew wires from old a/c.

[daveatkinson]

SO I have an RC and an RH wire on my old thermostat...have separate ac and heating no forced hot air system. the new nest only has an R no RC or RH, MY RH wire is plugged into the R side on my old thermostat so what can I do about this? I have the new nest that only has Y, C, W G, R, O/B connections

[minerbloxer]

One of the only videos that haven’t gotten the virus

[michaelw]

I have a single stage system with a heat pump. I followed the wiring instructions online and the tech support, but it does not work on my system, a Lennox. Not sure if I got a bad unit or just a problem with my hvac. The phone wait for tech support was over 1 hour and 15 minutes until I finally hung up. A bit hard to understand some of the staff. It seems like the thermostat is a good tool if it works for you.

[SG-jvzi]

**Keep in Mind- Is you furnace/AC having problems turning on with you Nest thermostat??**

I set mine up in Nov 2017 and was working great with my system...6 months in though when I tried to turn on my A/C my furnace (blower motor) was hesitating turning on ( like there was a shorted wire or something) and making a very LOUD banging noise. I thought for sure that it was a HVAC issue and eventually called a repair person. After 2 hours they finally determined it was because the Nest unit had a low battery. The unit did not say the battery was low ...an issue with the Nest.

Adding a wire to the (C) common connector was all that was needed to allow your HVAC system to send a trickle charge to your Nest thermostat.

Knowing this could have saved me hours of frustration and $150 of expenses.

I am going to contact Nest about this issue and hope that they will do something about it....but hope this helps anyone that may have the same issue in the future.

[amandakersey]

I just installed my nest E and it's on and connected to the app. But it doesn't seem to be reading the temp in the room accurately. It's registering it as 53° but I have a regular thermometer showing it's 67°. I've tried turning it off and back on, but it's reading the same temp.

[fatjonseatingadventures]

i love how they show the app has a 2 star review lol

[AsimSheikh]

Google video using an iphone to take pic? 🤔

[cmdmd]

Thank you for the video.


Can't escape the irony of the person using an iPhone. Doesn't Google have their phone?

[LORDKALIBURTHETH]

Dear Google Nest Team!, great video! helped me and my dad finish up installing the thermostat in his home.
very easy step by step fast and informative thanks!

[FCD]

I'm slightly confused as mine doesn't have that nest base and the paperwork doesn't have it on the what's included in the box. Do I have to buy it separately?

[GeoscienceImaging]

not clear how to get the personalized wiring diagram. I followed the instructions on the video and on the website, but it never gave me that option.

[JavinTowers]

lol. At 4:49 the nest app has two stars in the app store. At least they are honest in the setup guide.

[davidb]

I have these wires plus a brown and blue cut back, I wonder if I need those ?

[kaloianigeorgiev]

Is it possible to mount EU version of Nest E on a wall? On all pictures and videos it is standing on a table and there is totally no clear information on Google's website.
Also if I need to control the temperature in 5 rooms - can I do it with one Nest E and 5 or 6 Heat Link E? And how in the world can I purchase more Heat Link E???

[deaftodd]

Turn off the 240V 30A breaker? Holy cow! No wonder why my heating bill had skyrocketed.

[onlyadamsmith]

Need to update this video with a Google phone :P. Nest is awesome btw.